Housing Assistance Programs

What is the ACP?The ACP was created by Congress and implemented by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to help eligible households receive a subsidy of up to $75 a month towards internet service.Who is eligible to participate in the ACP?You may be qualified for the program if -You, your child or dependent participate in certain government assistance programs, such as SNAP, Medicaid, WIC, or other programs.You’re a member of select Tribal Assistance programs.You, your child or dependent already receive a Lifeline benefit.You received a Federal Pell Grant in the current award year.You’re eligible based on your household income.How do I enroll in the ACP?Step 1: Apply to qualifyStep 2: If approved you can use the subsidy credit to apply to your internet bill with whichever provider you use for internet services.

IntroducciónLa Sección 8 de Vivienda es un programa financiado con fondos federales que proporciona asistencia de alquiler a familias e individuos de bajos ingresos. El programa se conoce formalmente como el programa Housing Choice Voucher y es administrado por el Departamento de Vivienda y Desarrollo Urbano de los Estados Unidos (HUD). El objetivo del programa de vivienda de la Sección 8 es proporcionar opciones de vivienda asequible y decente a aquellos que de otro modo podrían tener dificultades para encontrar una vivienda segura y adecuada.La importancia de la Sección 8 Vivienda no puede ser exagerada. Sin este programa, muchas familias e individuos de bajos ingresos no podrían pagar el alquiler y podrían quedarse sin hogar. El programa de vivienda de la Sección 8 no solo proporciona asistencia para el alquiler, sino que también ayuda a promover la estabilidad y la autosuficiencia entre las familias e individuos de bajos ingresos. A través de la Sección 8 de Vivienda, las familias y las personas pueden acceder a viviendas seguras y asequibles, lo que puede ayudar a mejorar su calidad de vida en general. En el siguiente artículo, discutiremos varios aspectos del programa de vivienda de la Sección 8, incluida la cantidad máxima que pagará la Sección 8, cómo obtener la Sección 8 inmediatamente en un área específica, los límites de ingresos para la vivienda de la Sección 8, cómo solicitar la Vivienda de la Sección 8 en un área específica, apartamentos en alquiler que aceptan vales de vivienda cerca de usted,  Proceso de solicitud de vivienda y lista de espera de PHA, y la lista de vivienda de la Sección 8. Cantidad máxima que pagará la Sección 8La cantidad máxima que pagará la Sección 8 varía dependiendo de una variedad de factores. En general, la Sección 8 pagará la diferencia entre el alquiler que cobra un propietario y el 30% de los ingresos del inquilino. Sin embargo, hay límites máximos en la cantidad de asistencia de alquiler que una familia o individuo puede recibir. Estos límites son determinados por la Agencia de Vivienda Pública (PHA) local y se basan en el alquiler justo del mercado para el área.Varios factores pueden influir en la cantidad máxima que pagará la Sección 8. Estos incluyen el número de personas en el hogar, los ingresos del hogar, la ubicación de la unidad de alquiler y el tipo de unidad de alquiler. Los hogares más grandes y aquellos con ingresos más bajos generalmente son elegibles para niveles más altos de asistencia de alquiler.Para determinar la cantidad máxima que la Sección 8 pagará en un área específica, es importante verificar el alquiler justo del mercado para esa área. La renta justa de mercado es la cantidad que la PHA local determina que es razonable para un tipo particular de unidad de alquiler en un área geográfica específica. La PHA establece la cantidad máxima de asistencia de alquiler basada en el alquiler justo del mercado. Los solicitantes pueden verificar el alquiler justo del mercado para su área poniéndose en contacto con la PHA local o buscando en su área utilizando nuestra herramienta de búsqueda. Cómo obtener la Sección 8 inmediatamente en su áreaObtener la Sección 8 rápidamente en un área específica puede ser un desafío, ya que a menudo hay una gran demanda de asistencia de alquiler. Sin embargo, hay algunos pasos que los solicitantes pueden tomar para acelerar el proceso de solicitud.El primer paso para obtener la Sección 8 rápidamente es comunicarse con la PHA local para determinar si la lista de espera está abierta. Muchas PHA tienen listas de espera para asistencia de alquiler, y estas listas pueden cerrarse por períodos prolongados de tiempo y abrirse sin previo aviso. Affordable Housing Hub proporciona actualizaciones semanales para las autoridades de vivienda con listas de espera abiertas aquí. Los solicitantes deben completar la solicitud de la Sección 8 lo antes posible. La solicitud generalmente requerirá prueba de ingresos, identificación y otra información personal.Para acelerar el proceso de solicitud de la Sección 8, los solicitantes deben asegurarse de que toda la documentación requerida se presente con la solicitud. La documentación faltante o incompleta puede causar retrasos en el procesamiento de la solicitud. También es importante mantenerse en contacto con la PHA para verificar el estado de la solicitud y proporcionar cualquier información adicional que pueda ser necesaria.Hay varios recursos disponibles para ayudar con el proceso de solicitud de la Sección 8. Las organizaciones sin fines de lucro y los grupos comunitarios pueden ofrecer ayuda para completar la solicitud. Affordable Housing Hub también proporciona detalles sobre la disponibilidad de unidades de alquiler que aceptan vales de la Sección 8 a través de nuestra herramienta de búsqueda. Cómo solicitar vivienda de la Sección 8 en su áreaEl proceso de solicitud de la Sección 8 puede variar dependiendo de la PHA local. Sin embargo, el proceso generalmente implica varios pasos.El primer paso para solicitar la Sección 8 de Vivienda es ubicar la PHA local. La PHA es responsable de administrar el programa de Vivienda de la Sección 8 en un área específica. Los solicitantes pueden encontrar la PHA local comunicándose con la oficina de HUD, revisando el sitio web de HUD o buscando en línea "Agencia de Vivienda Pública" o "PHA" junto con el nombre de su ciudad o estado.Una vez que se encuentre la PHA local, los solicitantes deberán completar la solicitud de la Sección 8. La solicitud generalmente requerirá información personal, incluida la prueba de ingresos, identificación y otra información relevante. Es importante proporcionar información precisa y completa sobre la solicitud para evitar retrasos en el procesamiento.Después de que se presente la solicitud, la PHA la revisará para determinar si el solicitante cumple con los requisitos de elegibilidad para la Sección 8 de Vivienda. Si se determina que el solicitante es elegible, la PHA colocará al solicitante en una lista de espera para asistencia de alquiler.Para acelerar el proceso de solicitud de la Sección 8, los solicitantes deben asegurarse de que toda la documentación requerida se presente con la solicitud. La documentación faltante o incompleta puede causar retrasos en el procesamiento de la solicitud. También es importante mantenerse en contacto con la PHA para verificar el estado de la solicitud y proporcionar cualquier información adicional que pueda ser necesaria. Apartamentos en alquiler que aceptan vales de vivienda cerca de míLos apartamentos que aceptan vales de vivienda son unidades de alquiler que están dispuestas a participar en el programa de vivienda de la Sección 8. Estos apartamentos pueden ser difíciles de encontrar, ya que no todos los propietarios están dispuestos a aceptar vales de vivienda. Sin embargo, Affordable Housing Hub permite localizar apartamentos que aceptan vales de vivienda cerca de usted.Para encontrar apartamentos que acepten vales de vivienda cerca de usted, el primer paso es encontrar una casa o apartamento adecuado utilizando nuestra herramienta de búsqueda. Desde allí podrá encontrar la Autoridad de Vivienda que administra la propiedad dada junto con los datos de contacto del administrador de vivienda. A partir de ahí, el administrador de PHA puede proporcionarle una aplicación.Al alquilar apartamentos con vales de vivienda, es importante tener en cuenta que puede haber algunas limitaciones en el tipo de unidad de alquiler que se puede alquilar. Por ejemplo, la unidad de alquiler debe cumplir con ciertos estándares de seguridad y salud establecidos por la PHA. Además, la unidad de alquiler debe ser asequible en función del alquiler justo del mercado para el área. Solicitud de vivienda PHA y lista de esperaLas Agencias de Vivienda Pública (PHA, por sus siglas en inglés) mantienen listas de espera para aquellos que buscan asistencia de vivienda a través del programa de Vivienda de la Sección 8. La lista de espera suele ser larga y el proceso puede ser un desafío. Sin embargo, hay varios pasos que los solicitantes pueden tomar para administrar la lista de espera de PHA y aumentar sus posibilidades de recibir asistencia de alquiler.Para solicitar alojamiento PHA, los solicitantes deben completar la solicitud de la Sección 8 y enviarla a la PHA local. La PHA determinará si el solicitante es elegible para recibir asistencia de alquiler en función de la información proporcionada en la solicitud. Si el solicitante es elegible, la PHA colocará al solicitante en la lista de espera para asistencia de alquiler. Mantenerse en contacto con la PHA para verificar el estado de la solicitud y actualizar la información personal según sea necesario debe hacerse para evitar demoras innecesarias. Además, los solicitantes deben responder con prontitud a cualquier solicitud de información de la PHA.También es importante entender las políticas de la PHA con respecto a la lista de espera. Algunas PHA pueden tener preferencias para ciertos grupos, como veteranos o para programas especiales como viviendas de HUD para personas con discapacidades. Comprender estas políticas puede ayudar a los solicitantes a priorizar sus solicitudes y aumentar sus posibilidades de recibir asistencia de alquiler.Sección 8 Lista de viviendasLa lista de viviendas de la Sección 8  es una lista de unidades de alquiler que aceptan vales de vivienda bajo el programa de vivienda de la Sección 8. La lista es mantenida por nuestro personal y se actualiza regularmente. La lista de viviendas de la Sección 8 puede ser un recurso útil para aquellos que buscan asistencia para el alquiler.Para acceder a la lista de viviendas de la Sección 8, puede buscar por ciudad, estado, condado o código postal y ver las propiedades disponibles que son candidatas para vales de vivienda. Al utilizar la lista de viviendas de la Sección 8, es importante entender que la disponibilidad de unidades de alquiler puede cambiar rápidamente. Los solicitantes deben revisar la lista regularmente y estar preparados para actuar rápidamente si una unidad de alquiler está disponible. Además, los solicitantes deben tener opciones de respaldo en caso de que la unidad de alquiler que les interesa ya no esté disponible.Para utilizar la lista de Vivienda de la Sección 8 de manera efectiva, es importante tener una comprensión clara de los requisitos de elegibilidad para la asistencia de alquiler bajo el programa de Vivienda de la Sección 8. Los solicitantes también deben estar preparados para proporcionar documentación que demuestre su elegibilidad para la asistencia de alquiler.ConclusiónEn este artículo, hemos discutido varios aspectos importantes de la Sección 8 Vivienda, incluida la cantidad máxima que pagará la Sección 8, cómo obtener la Sección 8 inmediatamente en su área, los límites de ingresos para la Sección 8 Vivienda en su área, cómo solicitar la Sección 8 Vivienda en su área, apartamentos en alquiler que aceptan vales de vivienda cerca de usted,  la solicitud de vivienda PHA y la lista de espera, y la lista de vivienda de la Sección 8.Sección 8 Vivienda es un recurso importante para aquellos que buscan opciones de vivienda asequible. A través de la asistencia de alquiler, el programa de vivienda de la Sección 8 ayuda a las familias e individuos elegibles a obtener una vivienda segura, decente y asequible. Para aumentar sus posibilidades de recibir asistencia de alquiler, los solicitantes deben aprovechar los recursos disponibles para ellos, incluyendo ponerse en contacto con su PHA local, consultar nuestros listados en línea y buscar ayuda de organizaciones sin fines de lucro y grupos comunitarios. También es importante comprender los requisitos de elegibilidad para la asistencia de alquiler y proporcionar información precisa y completa sobre la solicitud. 

Saving enough money for a downpayment is one of the biggest obstacles to homeownership. Many people mistakenly assume they must have 10% - 20% of the purchase price to put down before they can be approved for a loan.There are several loan options that require less than 10% down, but there are also over 2,000 programs nationwide, many on the state, county, and local level, that offer buyers low interest deferred loans that are forgiven after a period of time or grants that don’t have to be paid back at all.If the cost of a downpayment is preventing you from owning your own home, you should research the downpayment assistance options available to see if one is right for you.What are the different types of assistance available?There are basically four types of downpayment assistance (DPA).1. Grants.Grants are essentially gifts. There is no repayment required. Grants are the most common type of assistance.2. Loans with monthly payments.These are second mortgages that you repay along with your mortgage.3. Deferred loans.These are also second mortgages, but you don’t have to start paying them back until you sell, move, or refinance.4. Forgivable loans.These are second mortgages as well, but they are forgiven after you’ve lived in your house for a set period of time. You may have to live in your house for five to 20 years before the loan is completely forgiven. If you move, sell, or refinance, before the set time period expires, you must repay the loan.Who qualifies?Not all assistance programs are alike. They will vary depending on the particular program and where you live. To be clear, first-time homebuyer programs are available to most people, including those who have owned a home in the past.Although programs differ, the restrictions generally run along these lines.You must be a first time homebuyer.You must live in the home as your primary residence.Your income must not be above a certain level.The home you purchase must be in a targeted area.You must work with an approved mortgage lender.The DPA must be used in conjunction with a mortgage package approved by the program. With many of the programs, you are not required to purchase property in targeted areas, but you’ll get more money and have an easier time qualifying if you do.What are targeted areas?Targeted areas are designated areas where federal, state, county, or city entities want to see an increase in homeownership. As an incentive to purchase, there is usually more assistance available to homebuyers willing to consider living in one of these areas. You may be able to get more house for the money in targeted areas than you would in other parts of the community.Individuals who don’t qualify as first time homebuyers can sometimes get assistance if they agree to purchase in targeted areas. How much assistance is available?The amount of money available to homebuyers varies widely depending on which zip code you live in. Some areas offer no assistance, while others offer thousands in grants which don’t have to be paid back. Is the assistance worth the trouble it takes to get it?Since saving for a downpayment is the biggest hurdle to buying a house according to two-thirds of the people surveyed by Zillow, qualifying for free or low-interest money to overcome the problem seems worth it. For example:If you want to buy a $175,000 houseAnd need a 3.5% downpayment ($6,125)And you save $150 a monthIt would take almost 41 months to save enough for the downpayment. That’s nearly 3 ½ years.If you could get a $5,000 grant, it would cut the money you have to save down to $1,125. Saving $150 every month reduces your wait time for homeownership to seven and a half months.According to a RealtyTracreport dated June 2016, homebuyers who received $5,965 assistance with their downpayments on median-priced houses saved $11,801 on monthly payments over the life of the loan.What types of mortgages allow DPA?You must get a mortgage from an approved lender to qualify for assistance. You may even be required to sign up for a specific mortgage loan package. Beyond that most programs are pretty flexible. They usually include the most common loans, such as: FHA (insured by the Federal Housing Administration)VA (backed by Veteran’s Affairs)USDA (backed by the Department of Agriculture)Conventional, including Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae (not guaranteed by the federal government)Is there assistance with closing costs?It depends on the program, but many of them allow the borrower to use the assistance for downpayment and closing costs.How do borrowers find out what assistance is available in their area?The easiest way to find out what’s available in your area is to go online and do some research. Use your favorite search engine and type in downpayment assistance and the state, county, and city.Has COVID-19 affected the DPA programs?The programs are still available in most cases, but the coronavirus pandemic has impacted the way many programs are handled. Here are a few of the changes that have been noted:Staff shortages and employees working remotely have slowed down the response time for DPA processing.Counseling and homebuyer education courses have gone to online only.Rate locks, pricing options, and reservations have been suspended in some cases.Many programs have migrated to eSignatures and eClosings. Advantages of Downpayment and Closing Cost Assistance1. Low and moderate income families have a better chance at homeownership. The most obvious reason to take advantage of assistance with downpayments and closing cost is the ability to own a home even though you don’t have much cash. Instead of saving for years in hopes of becoming a homeowner, many find they can qualify for a loan and close on the home of their dreams quickly.2. DPA can help borrowers get approved for mortgages easier. In order to qualify for a loan, you need anywhere from 3.5% to 10% of the purchase price depending on your credit score and some other factors. If you want to buy a $250,000 house, you’ll need anywhere from $8,750 to $25,000 for your downpayment. That is a significant obstacle for families on limited incomes.3. Interest rates can be lower. You may get a lower interest rate on your first mortgage if you take advantage of DPA because risk to the lender is reduced. In addition to the money you save using DPA, the lower interest will save you money over the life of the loan.4. DPA gives you a cash cushion. Without DPA, many homebuyers are forced to use most of their savings to pay down payment and closing costs. That can leave them without the necessary funds to adequately maintain and repair their most valuable asset - their home.Disadvantages of Downpayment and Closing Cost AssistanceThere aren’t many disadvantages to a grant, which requires no repayment, or a loan that is forgiven after you have lived in your home for a short period of time. 1. The additional obligation can be stressful. Loans you have to pay back along with the first mortgage can cause financial stress for borrowers who have low or moderate incomes. Instead of one payment, you will have first and second mortgage payments every month. If the assistance loan is rolled into the first mortgage, the first mortgage amount may increase significantly.2. There are often restrictions. If you have to sell, move, or refinance before the time period expires on a forgivable loan, you will have to repay it. 3. Not all assistance loans are zero interest. Some have rates that are equal to the first mortgage, and some even have rates that are higher than the first mortgage. The higher the interest rate, the more money it will cost you in the long run.4. It can be hard to qualify for DPA. Most of the programs are reserved for low to moderate income borrowers, first time homebuyers, teachers, public servants, veterans, and other specialized categories. Usually there is a set amount of money allocated for DPAs each year. Once the money is gone, there is no more assistance until the program is funded again. As a general rule, most programs operate on a first come, first serve basis.

There are government agencies, non-profits, and charities ready to help individuals who find themselves facing eviction and notices to quit. If you need help now, you may be able to qualify for loans or other types of funds to pay your rent immediately. The type of assistance and the amount available will depend on the agency and the funds they have on hand. Special COVID-19 Eviction MoratoriumDue to the financial difficulties the coronavirus has placed on millions of Americans, Congress passed the Cares Act. Among other things, this act put in place an eviction moratorium for renters who are currently living in HUD Multifamily assisted and FHA insured properties. The moratorium runs from March 27, 2020, until July 25, 2020.This means during this time period landlords can't evict tenants or charge late fees. Landlords can file evictions after July 25, 2020, and after giving 30 days’ notice. If your income has been decreased, discuss recertification with your landlord. You should also discuss a repayment plan with your landlord if you're behind on your rent. The moratorium does not prevent evictions filed prior to March 27, 2020, or after July 25, 2020. It does not stop evictions based on any circumstances except those involving non-payment of rent due, past due fees, and other charges related to non-payment.General Information for Renters Needing AssistanceBecause of the limited funds available to the programs that offer emergency rental assistance, the elderly, the disabled, needy families with children, and those facing immediate crises are given application preference. Individuals who have shown an unwillingness or inability to do the work necessary to become self-sufficient may find it difficult to qualify for rent assistance. They may be referred to other agencies more likely to help them.Program case managers evaluate applicants in part on how much they want to improve their financial situations and have shown the ability to do so. The assistance provided is usually short term, and applicants must show the ability to transfer to long term situations. Once approved, many agencies have the capacity to transfer funds electronically getting them into the hands of renters in crisis in a matter of days.Since emergency rental assistance is a short term solution, applicants are usually required to have some plan showing caseworkers how they intend to pay for their long term, future housing. In order to help ensure applicants are working toward self-sufficiency, rent assistance programs often require the applicants to enroll in a period of counseling with case managers. Case managers may refer their clients to other agencies that offer assistance. Local churches often help those in need of emergency cash for housing. You may or may not have to be affiliated with the specific church. The funds they have available are almost always limited. Churches are not meant to be a source for long term assistance.All of these services are offered free of charge to anyone in a crisis situation, including the unemployed and those with medical emergencies. You can visit the search portion of this website to find housing authorities, non-profits, and charities that offer emergency rent assistance near you.Most organizations have very limited availability when it comes to funding. When you call, be sure to have all your documentation in order. Agencies are most likely to accept applications from those who are in the middle of an unexpected crisis and would otherwise be able to pay their rent. They may require participants in their programs to enroll in self-sufficiency classes and be assigned to a case manager who monitors their progress. No Credit and Low Income LoansNon-profits and banks offer small loans to low and moderate income individuals with poor credit scores. The money is made available through donations and the FDIC. These loans are alternatives to high-cost credit products on the market and show that banks can make hardship loans and remain profitable.Hardship loans are available to households regardless of race, ethnicity, or age. Interest rates are affordable even for those with low credit scores. This alternative is preferable to payday loans, unsecured personal loans with high interest rates, and the fees charged for overdraft protection.These loan programs are tailored for individuals and families with very low incomes and no or low credit ratings. Checking and saving accounts are not required to qualify. The money can be used for paying bills, educational and business expenses, and medical emergencies.The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) offers emergency loans that are short term and low interest. You can get up to $2500 even if you are living in poverty and have no credit score. The goal with these loans is to provide an alternative to payday loans and overdraft programs. Many needy individuals turn to loan sharks charging triple-digit interest because it provides them with the quick cash they need.You can typically get up to $2500 with these small-dollar amount loans. The interest rate ranges from 14% to 18% which is significantly lower than the rates charged by payday loan companies or what it costs to cover insufficient funds on your bank account. The loans offered by non-profit organizations have similar terms to the banks and the FDIC.These resources are available to single mothers, immigrants, and those who are underemployed. One of the big benefits of these small-dollar loans for individuals who pay them back on time is the opportunity to reenter the mainstream lending market. They improve their credit scores. Payday loans, in contrast, do not report your payment history to the credit agencies even if you make all your payments on time.There are no hidden fees or overdraft charges associated with FDIC small-dollar loans. The repayment terms recommended by the U.S. Controller General to banks is two months to a year. Check with your local banks and credit unions to see if they offer these loans. There may be non-profit community loan centers in your area willing to help. You can also try online lenders.

Food insecurity among Americans has spiked dramatically due to the economic crisis caused by COVID-19. Families who never expected to need help putting food on the table are living with the new reality. The good news is there is no food shortage in America at the present time, and free and low cost resources are available for individuals and families who would otherwise go hungry. From federal government programs to food banks and churches, organizations are working hard to make sure everyone is fed. Government ProgramsThe Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)This program, formerly known as food stamps, is the primary food assistance program funded by the federal government. It is the Department of Agriculture’s main hunger prevention program. In order to qualify for SNAP, you must meet certain criteria.Recipients must be U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, or qualified aliens. Applicants who are not disabled or elderly must have a limited income and limited assets and resources. The amount of assistance provided by SNAP varies by state.SNAP benefits are usually limited to three to six months for households in which the members are between the ages of 18 and 50. They can use their electronic benefits transfer (EBT) card anytime within a three year period.Recipients who work at least 20 hours a week or are job training can have their benefits extended. Pregnant women, single mothers with small children, and the disabled may not have to meet the work requirements. Recipients have to fill out new applications at the end of each benefit period.The food items covered under SNAP are extensive. It pays for almost any type of groceries purchased at grocery stores, food markets, convenience stores, and big box stores like Target and Walmart. Items like baby formula, bottled water, eggs, dairy products, weight loss products like Slim Fast and Nutrisystem, and fresh produce may all be purchased using your EBT card.Items not allowed to be purchased on your EBT card include alcohol, tobacco products, pet food, household supplies, paper products, vitamins, cosmetics, toothpaste, hot food, prepared foods, and medicine. For information on applying for SNAP benefits, contact your local office.How the Cares Act (Coronavirus, Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act) affects SNAP benefits.Employment and training requirements have been suspended for SNAP recipients. The Department of Agriculture announced a 40% increase in monthly SNAP benefits across all 50 states and the three territories. For more information on the USDA’s emergency SNAP benefits program, visit their webpage.Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)This assistance program is designed to provide nutrition and commodities that supplement diets of pregnant, breastfeeding, and postpartum women of low income as well as newborns and children under five years of age.Applicants are evaluated by income and overall nutritional risk. The program is administered by local health departments. For information on applying for WIC, visit WIC’s website.Nutrition Services Incentive Program (NSIP)This program was formerly known as the Nutrition Program for the Elderly. It is administered by the Department of Health and Human Services through state aging agencies. This nutrition services program includes providing free food, meals, and nutritious groceries for the elderly. Clients of all incomes receive hot or cold meals once a day five times a week. Transportation is provided to meal sites for seniors without vehicles. For more information, visit the Administration for Community Living website.Meals on Wheels is a part of this program. Meals on Wheels delivers meals to the homebound, both elderly and disabled. For more information, visit their website.School Breakfast and Lunch ProgramsStudents from low-income families are provided with nutritious meals at school for free or reduced prices. The program is open to children living in poverty and to those who come from families with moderate incomes. Contact your child’s school for an application.Commodity Supplemental Food Programs (CSFP)These programs are similar to WIC, but they differ in that they provide assistance to seniors over the age of 60. They may offer Ensure for low-income seniors and baby formula for infants. For more information on programs in your area, visit the Department of Agriculture’s Commodity Supplemental Food Program website.Feeding America BackpackFor more than 15 years Feeding America has been supplying school children with groceries, meals, and snacks regardless of their income. These snacks are packed and provided discreetly and confidentially.The purpose is to ensure children have nutritious food during weekends and holidays or at other times when school breakfast and lunches are not available. The program is nationwide. For more information, visit Feed America’s Backpack Program webpage.The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP)This is a federally funded food assistance program for low income families who are facing food crises. The assistance is provided at no cost to the families. All food supplied is American grown. Fresh fruits, vegetables, and legumes are offered nationwide. For more information on the program, visit the USDA’s TEFAP webpage.Summer Food Service ProgramThe Department of Agriculture funds this program that is administered by local churches, non-profits, and food pantries. It is designed to ensure school age children have access to nutritious meals during the months when school is not in session. It is available nationwide. For more information on the program, visit the USDA’s Summer Food Service Program webpage. Food Banks, Food Pantries, Community Food SharesA wide variety of organizations run food banks. Feeding America works with food banks in every state. They distribute free groceries, perishable items, and meals to those in need. They serve low income families through local soup kitchens, shelters, food banks, charities, and churches.To find the food bank nearest you, visit the Feeding America website. You can also go to AmpleHarvest.orgto find food pantries in your area.Free Meals and Soup KitchensA number of organizations, including the Salvation Army, provide meals during holidays. They deliver meals to the homebound. To find the nearest location serving hot and cold meals, visit the Salvation Army website.Clothing BanksFamilies have all kinds of expenses, especially those with children. Clothing banks help low income families with baby clothes, school supplies, shoes, work clothes, and holiday gifts. The money saved by utilizing clothing banks leaves more money for nutritious food. To find clothing banks in your area, try contacting the Salvation Army.Free CouponsThere are a number of websites that offer free, downloadable coupons for everything from household supplies and pet food to personal care items and groceries. They can be redeemed at any participating retail store. Use your favorite search engine to type in “free coupons”. National Hunger Hotline1-866-3-HUNGRY (English) or 1-877-8-HAMBRE (Spanish) Monday - Friday, 7 a.m. - 10 p.m. (Eastern Standard Time)These numbers will connect you with staffers who can direct you to emergency food providers in your area, government assistance programs, and various social services. You can get more information online at hungerfreeamerica.org.

Many homeowners are just one crisis away from financial distress. With unemployment headed to percentage rates not seen since the Great Depression, families who never expected to worry about paying their mortgages are already looking into what options are open to them in the coming months.The CARES Act (Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security) and how it helps FHA, VA, and USDA borrowersThe CARES Act assists homeowners who have loans guaranteed by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA), the U.S. Department of Veteran’s Affairs (VA), and the Rural Housing Service (RHS) and who have been affected, either directly or indirectly, by the COVID-19 national emergency.The assistance is in the form of a mortgage forbearance. A forbearance is a temporary suspension of or reduction of mortgage payments. This is not the same as payment forgiveness.Upon request, a borrower can get up to 180 days forbearance. Also upon request, a borrower can get a forbearance extension for an additional 180 days. At any time you can shorten or eliminate the forbearance and resume regular payments.You aren’t required to provide any documentation proving you are suffering hardship to qualify for a forbearance. If you’re able to continue making regularly scheduled payments, you should do so.For more information on the CARES ACT forbearance option, see HUD’s fact sheet. Federal Government Run ProgramsFreddie Mac and Fannie Mae ProgramsFreddie Mac and Fannie Mae provide mortgage relief options to hundreds of thousands of homeowners with several different programs. Many people qualify for these programs without even realizing it. Borrower Help Center and Borrower Help NetworkThe Borrower Help Centers have opened in various cities around the country. They give homeowners direct access to housing specialists who help them explore their options, like a loan modification, debt counseling, and other ways to deal with delinquent mortgages.The Borrower Help Network was set up by Freddie Mac to make specialists available for homeowners needing foreclosure assistance.Visit Freddie Mac’s Borrower Help Center and Network webpage for more information.Streamlined Modification InitiativeThe program is a partnership with the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) to assist homeowners to get lower interest rates or extensions on their repayment terms. You do not have to show proof of income to qualify. For more information, visit the FHFA website.Energy Efficient MortgagesThese are mortgages, allowable by the federal government, that help homeowners make their homes more energy efficient. It pays for energy conservation measures in homes. For more information on energy efficient mortgages, visit HUD’s webpage.Making Home AffordableThis program is a joint partnership between the federal government and banks and other lenders to help homeowners with loan modifications. Fees and interest rate reductions may be subsidized by the federal government. The purpose of the program is to ensure all homeowners find relief from mispriced loan payments. Visit the government’s Making Home Affordable website for more information.Another option is the Home Affordability and Stability program. This is part of the Making Home Affordable ProgramIf you currently owe more on your home than it’s worth, there are programs available to help you out.Fannie Mae's High LTV Refinance OptionThis program replaced HARP in 2018. The new program lets homeowners refinance into more affordable mortgages. You must be current on your mortgage payments to qualify.Hope for HomeownersThis program helps with refinancing for homeowners who having difficulty making their current mortgages, but can still afford a new loan insured by the FHA.Home Affordable Foreclosure Alternatives (HAFA)This is a short sale and deed in lieu program that provides financial incentives for lenders and borrowers. For more information on this program, visit the government’s Making Home Affordable fact sheet.Hardest Hit FundThis program is available in 18 states and the District of Columbia. It helps homeowners with payment assistance, loan modification, and transition assistance. For more information on the Hardest Hit program in these states, visit the government Making Home Affordable webpage. Additional Mortgage Relief Options to ExploreIt’s a good idea to remember that the lender does not want to foreclose on your house. It’s costly for the financial institution and a bad mark on the individual who approved the loan. It is in the best interest of the lender to work with you to come to some kind of mutual agreement.Short SaleThis is an alternative to foreclosure, but it will mean you lose your home. The lender must agree to let you sell your house for less than the mortgage balance. The process is complicated and takes time, but is becoming more common.A short sale damages credit. It can lower your credit score anywhere from 85 to 160 points according to Fox Business. You should be prepared to wait two years and make a downpayment of 20% to purchase another home. Short RefinanceShort refinancing is another method to save a homeowner from going into foreclosure. With a short refinance the lender refinances a mortgage for less than the balance owing on the original mortgage and may forgive the difference. This makes the monthly payments more affordable for the borrower. Lenders do this primarily because it is less expensive than foreclosing.Refinancing doesn’t usually hurt your credit unless you become what is known as a “serial refinancer”. Loan ModificationsIf you can no longer afford your mortgage payments because of changing financial or personal circumstances, a loan modification may help. It will reduce monthly payments, lower interest rates, and waive fees.To qualify for a loan modification you must meet several requirements:You have to be suffering from financial hardship.You must prove you can’t make your mortgage payments.You must prove you can make modified payments.The property must be your primary residence. Mortgage Principal Reduction ProgramReducing the principal on a mortgage is becoming more common. Lenders are writing off billions of dollars in principal to avoid foreclosure. The rates and terms of a mortgage don’t change with a principal reduction. The loan is re-amortized with a lower outstanding principal. This results in lower payments for the borrower.In 2017, the average reduction in principal was $56,306, and the average monthly payment was reduced by $217.Deed in Lieu of ForeclosureThis is when you sign the deed to your home over to the bank that is holding the mortgage. This is advantageous for the lender because it avoids the cost of foreclosing. It’s good for the borrower because it doesn’t have the same impact on their credit scores as foreclosures, and the borrowers are free of the debt.If you had a high credit score, a deed in lieu will impact you more than someone with a low credit score. You may see your credit rating fall 100 points or more. It takes about 90 days to process the deed in lieu.

10 Ways To Save Money During Difficult Times.If you need help paying bills, and are struggling to keep a roof over your head and food on the table during these difficult times, there is help available. Here are 10 ideas to help you with some of the issues you might be facing.1. Federal assistance through the Cares Act. The stimulus package was passed March 27, 2020, to assist individuals and businesses survive the COVID-19 pandemic. Among other things, the package includes:Expanded eligibility, duration, and amount of unemployment benefitsEviction and foreclosure protection until mid-May and reduced or postponed mortgage payments until the end of 2020 for homeowners with federally backed mortgagesEviction protection until mid-July for renters living in federally assisted multi-unit buildingsSuspension of federal student loan payments until September 30, 2020 You can read the White House fact sheet on the bill at whitehouse.gov.2. Help with phone service. If you can’t pay your phone bill, you may be able to get help from Lifeline. This Federal Communications Commission (FCC) program helps needy individuals and families get cell phone and landline service. You may even be able to get a free phone.To qualify for the program, your income must be less than 135% of the federal poverty limit. Individuals who receive Medicaid, food stamps (SNAP), public housing assistance (Section 8), or Head Start may qualify. If you receive a federal veteran’s pension or live on tribal lands and qualify for some tribal programs, you may qualify for Lifeline.You have to apply through a local company participating in the program. You can find companies in your area at USAC.org.3. Help with utility bills. Most utility companies are working with customers struggling to pay their bills during these difficult times. If you can’t pay your energy bill, you may be able to work out a payment plan. You can also try the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). It assists with heating and cooling bills and offers emergency service in a crisis, like a shutoff. The program does not assist with water, sewer, cable, or internet bills.You may be able to qualify if you already receive benefits like SNAP, SSI, TANF (welfare), or some needs-tested veterans’ benefits. LIHEAP has limited funds. Once it runs out, it is unable to help those who qualify until the federal government makes more funding available.To get more information and to apply for the program, contact your local LIHEAP office.4. Help with medical bills. Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) assist families that can’t afford health insurance or don’t get it through their employers. To find out how to qualify and apply, go to USA.gov.If you can’t get insurance through your employer, are self-employed, or just prefer to buy health insurance yourself, you can get information about health, vision, and dental plans by going to the Health Insurance Marketplace. Healthcare.gov helps with insurance options, care comparisons, and preventive services.5. Help with prescription drugs. If you can’t afford your prescriptions, you should contact local health centersand state human services agencies. They assist individuals with limited access to healthcare and those in crisis.You should also find out if you qualify for Medicaid and CHIP. If you are 65 or older and eligible for Medicare, you can get prescription drug coverage with Medicare Part D.6. Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF). If you are a low-income parent or primary caregiver of a minor child, you may be eligible to receive TANF benefits. These benefits include housing, food, child care, home energy, and job training.Each state has its own eligibility requirements. You must apply to your local social services agencyin the state where you live.7. Help with food. If you need immediate help putting food on the table, call the USDA National Hunger Hotline: 866-3-HUNGRY (866-346-6479) for English and 877-8-HAMBRE (877-842-6273) for Spanish. Their hours are Monday-Friday from 7 in the morning until 10 in the evening.You can also contact local churches, non-profit organizations, and food banks.Because of the coronavirus, government food programs are relaxing some of their rules for the duration of the crisis:Food stamps recipients may get supplemental funding. Apply for SNAP through your state agency.Schools and other organizations are providing free meals for children. Contact your child’s school for more information.Enrolling in food programs may be done virtually, including programs designed for seniors, families, pregnant women, and individuals with disabilities.Apply for WIC at your local WIC agency.Seniors can get information about nutrition programs specifically for them at the Senior Farmer’s Market Nutrition Programwebsite and the Commodity Supplemental Food Programwebsite. 8. Help with debt. If your credit card bills are coming due and you need help paying bills, call the company and ask them to extend your due date. Ask about lowering your interest rate. Contact a non-profit debt management organization like the National Foundation For Consumer Credit (NFCC). They will help you consolidate your debt, lower interest rates, and stop creditors from calling you.If you can’t make your house payment, contact your lender. The federal government has directed mortgage lenders to suspend or reduce mortgage payments for up to a year for borrowers who have lost income due to the pandemic. If you’re a renter living in a federally assisted apartment complex, your landlord cannot evict you for non-payment of rent or charge you late fees until July 25, 2020. Some cities and states have mandated their own moratoriums on evictions because of COVID-19. You can find what your state is doing here.9. Help with legal issues. There are non-profit law firms specializing in assisting very low-income families and seniors. You can get help with eviction and foreclosure issues, utility service disconnections, and more. You can call the federal office of Legal Services Corporation at 202-295-1500 to get information about services in your local area or visit their website at lsc.gov.10. Help with extra income. Finding ways to make extra money these days can be difficult, and not everybody qualifies for government programs. If you have skills and equipment that allow you to work from home, you may be able to find some part time employment from businesses that can’t afford full-time workers right now, but still need help in certain areas.Becoming a personal shopper is another way to make some extra income. If you take precautions, you might grocery shop or run errands for seniors or others who have health conditions that make it dangerous for them to be out during this time.  What to AvoidA payday cash loan. These loans are appealing because the companies don’t care about your credit and will hand you cash right away. The problem comes with the repayment. According to a CNBC 2018 report, the national average percentage rate is almost 400%. There are states where you can be charged 700%.A credit card cash advance. 15% is the average national percentage rate on a credit card. The average percentage rate on a cash advance is 21%. You don’t get a grace period for a cash advance. Unlike paying for something with the card, interest on a cash advance starts accruing as soon as you take out the cash.

Finding affordable housing can be hard when you have a limited income. Several federal public housing programs help needy families with rent. Public housing and the Housing Choice Voucher program or Section 8 are the primary ones. The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) oversees both.These two programs operate differently and have different features. Before you apply for either of them, you should understand the differences so you can make the best choice for your family. Who’s the Landlord?Public HousingThe public housing authority owns the building you live in, even though a private company might manage it. The private company may or may not have ownership in the building, but the housing authority is in control. Most cities and towns across the country have local housing authorities.Section 8Private owners own and run Section 8 housing. Owners can be individuals, for-profit companies, or non-profits. The owners receive subsidies in return for renting to moderate to low-income individuals and families. You can get Section 8 with vouchers using the subsidy to find housing in the private market. In this case, the allowance stays with you if you move. In the case of subsidized housing where the landlord gets the subsidy, it stays with the landlord if you move.Where Can You Live?Public HousingYou must live in housing where you applied. If you move, your subsidy does not go with you. If you live in subsidized housing, you must live where you applied, and the subsidy does not move with you if you move.Section 8If you have a Section 8 voucher, you can live anywhere that accepts the vouchers. If you move, the voucher goes with you. You can even move to another state and take the voucher with you.How Do You Find an Apartment?Public HousingIf you qualify for public housing or subsidized housing, you are assigned an apartment. Section 8If you have a voucher, you have to find your own apartment in the private sector. If you can’t find an affordable apartment in good condition within about 60 days, the voucher will expire. When that happens, you have to reapply. How Much Do You Pay?Public HousingIf utilities are included in your rent, you will pay about 30% of your income. If utilities are not included, you pay less. The housing authority will assess your income, deductions, and exclusions every year and adjust your rent if there are changes. You are required to report any changes to your income or deductions to the housing authority during the year.Section 8You generally pay 30% of your gross income for rent with Section 8 housing. After the first year, it might be even more depending on the rent market. The housing authority is responsible for making sure the rent the landlord is charging is comparable with other rental property in the area. If your rent including utilities is more than 40%, and you are renting with Section 8 for the first time, the housing authority will reject the apartment. When that happens, you have to look for another apartment.Who is Eligible?Pubic HousingPublic housing is only for low-income individuals or families. HUD bases your eligibility on: 1) whether you are a U.S. citizen or legal alien; 2) your gross annual income; 3) whether you are disabled, elderly, or a family.To be considered lower-income, your gross annual income must not exceed 80% of the median income for the area in which you want to live. To be considered very low income, it can’t exceed 50% of the median income.Section 8Eligibility for Section 8 is determined by gross annual income and family size. In general, your income can’t be more than 50% of the median income for the area in which you want to live. By law, the housing authority is required to give 75% of its vouchers to applicants whose income is 30% or less than the area median income.How Do You Apply?Public Housing and Section 8To apply, you must contact your local housing authority. You can find your nearest Housing Authority using our Public Housing Authority Search Tool. How Long Does It Take to Get an Apartment?It generally takes less time to get into public housing than into Section 8 housing. You will be put on a waiting list in both cases. Because waiting lists are so long, you should fill out applications for all the programs you qualify for.Be sure you get a receipt for your application, so you have proof of when you applied. Contact the housing authority periodically to find out where you are on the waiting list. Be sure to contact the housing authority with your new address if you move.Can You Be Evicted From Public Housing or Section 8 Housing?Violating your lease or the program rules are the only ways to be evicted from both public housing programs. If you are evicted, you will lose your subsidy. 

If you’re having trouble paying your rent or finding affordable housing, there is help available. There are federal, state, local government organizations as well as charities and other non-profits that have long term and short term assistance programs for qualified applicants. Most programs have limited funds. Whether you can get financial assistance and how much often depends on what funds are available when you apply and what your particular situation is. Federal Government Organizations Rental Assistance ProgramsThe Emergency Solutions Grants program (ESG) is the federal government’s main assistance initiative. It assists individuals and families experiencing homelessness or a housing crisis. The program does this by providing grants to states, urban areas, metropolitan counties, and U.S. territories to help prevent homelessness, provide emergency shelter, and related services. To find out more about the ESG program contact your local HUD field office. The nation’s largest housing assistance organization is HUD (Housing and Urban Development). It oversees programs designed to assist the homeless, low-income families, and tenants facing eviction. HUD helps seniors and those with disabilities catch up on overdue rental payments. It helps needy families with rent payments, security deposits, and energy bills. HUD vouchers help low-income families get access to affordable housing. For more information on the public housing voucher program, contact your local public housing authority.You may qualify for Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) if you are a low income parent with a minor child. Financial assistance is available to help with rent, childcare, finding employment, and work training. To qualify, you must be considered low or very low income, be unemployed, underemployed, or about to become unemployed. You must be a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or legal immigrant.For more information on applying in your state, visit the Office of Family Assistance website.If you live in a rural area of the country the USDA has programs designed to assist struggling families. It provides rental assistance and housing vouchers for farmers, seniors, immigrants, the disabled, and low-income families. You will find more information about housing opportunities for those in rural areas on the USDA’s Housing Assistance webpage.Veteran’s Affairs Supportive Housing Program helps veterans pay rent in the form of grants lasting one month or more. It provides vouchers for rental assistance as well as assistance with security deposits. Veterans facing evictions can stop them with this program.Housing for veterans who are currently homeless can be found through HUD-VASH and Volunteers of America. These programs provide emergency and long term housing assistance. They reach across all states and territories including Puerto Rico and Guam.Federally funded Legal Services Corp. provides legal assistance to needy families facing eviction. In addition to legal help, Legal Services Corp. representatives refer clients to resources that can help with rent payments and other housing expenses.Attorneys act as mediators between landlords and tenants to resolve rent disputes. They advise tenants of their rights. They represent tenants in court, help fill out housing applications, and fight housing discrimination. To find your nearest legal aid representative, visit the lsc.gov website.Housing First is a program that assists the homeless in finding permanent housing. It can help with rent application fees, moving costs, and rent. Priority is made for those considered chronically homeless and those who have been homeless for six or more months.One of the big differences between the Housing First program and many of the other programs assisting the homeless, is the fact that Housing First attempts to find affordable apartments or houses for their clients and bypass shelters and transitional housing.For more information on the Housing First program, visit the National Alliance to End Homelessness website. State and Local Government Organizations Rental Assistance ProgramsMost states have programs designed to help struggling families with short and long term rent assistance. Massachusetts has the RAFT program. Florida has EFAHP, and Texas has THHSC. Connecticut has the RAP program. These programs help with rent, security deposits, moving expenses, storage, and other housing-related expenses.The assistance available may be short term or ongoing. Some of the assistance is in the form of free grants. These state and local agencies serve low to moderate income citizens who need help avoiding living on the streets by finding affordable housing. To get more information on the programs available in your area, visit HUD’s website.Charities and Other Non-Profits Offering Housing AssistanceCharities like the Salvation Army, Catholic Charities, and the Red Cross help with emergency rent assistance and utilities. The type of help available depends on the specific circumstances of the applicant and the amount of funds available. An example of local non-profit assistance available is the Crisis Assistance Ministry in Charlotte. This organization helps with rent, deposits, electric bills, and travel expenses. It runs a furniture bank and free store. At the free store, they offer everything from clothing and bathroom supplies to toys and books. To find the most helpful charities in your area, visit America’s Best Charities website.The United Way does not provide direct financial assistance, but it does support the 211 helpline. This number works like 911 but gives callers access to human and health services. You can also go to the 211website to get more information about resources in your local area.Local community action agencies are a good source for those needing help with rent, utilities, and food. They have case managers who work with clients to find government services and grants that provide financial assistance. Case managers will also assist clients in filling out applications for the various services. To find a community action agency near you, go to the Community Action Partnership website.If the agency doesn’t have the funds to help financially, case managers will refer clients to other organizations that may be able to help. You don’t have to be affiliated with most churches to get help from them. If you are in need, you should contact every charitable organization in the area regardless of your personal beliefs.Moving Cost Assistance and Short Term Rent HelpA number of non-profits assist those in need who are facing eviction or homelessness. They also help those who are already homeless find emergency shelter and low rent apartments. They set clients up to become self-sufficient and direct them to programs assisting with long term rental assistance.Transitional assistance may be in the form of money to pay moving costs, security deposits, storage fees, and any required rent due to a landlord before the tenant is allowed to move into a unit.Security deposit assistance most commonly goes to those individuals transitioning from short term housing into more permanent housing solutions. They are required to meet certain goals to become self-sufficient in order to receive the extra help needed to get into affordable, long term housing. Rental Assistance for Seniors, Single Parents, and Those With DisabilitiesCertain Developments Vouchers and Designated Housing Vouchers help non-elderly individuals with disabilities obtain affordable housing in developments where owners have established a preference for, or have restricted occupancy to, senior citizens. For more information on these programs, visit HUD’s website. To find out if you are eligible for these programs and what housing is available in your area, contact your local public housing authority.The Salvation Army is one of the leading charities supporting single mothers. It works with single parents regardless of race, ethnicity, or age to help them find financial aid programs, mentoring groups, and rental grants.The Salvation Army provides hot meals and gives single mothers access to free household items like bedding, towels, kitchenware, and blankets. The organization is active in assisting mothers who have suffered domestic abuse find safe and secure housing for themselves and their children. Go to salvationarmyusa.org to find out what services are available in your area.Eviction Prevention AssistanceIf you’re about to become homeless because you haven’t paid your rent and have been served with an eviction notice, there are eviction prevention programs that can help. Most of them offer short term assistance in the form of a grant that may be used to pay back rent, late payment fees, and court fees, as applicable.There may be income eligibility requirements and a cap on the number of times the program will provide the service in a certain time period. The household may have to show the ability to pay future rent. Households paying rent higher than the limit may be excluded.To be eligible for assistance your income cannot exceed 60% of your state’s median income. $1200 is the maximum assistance you can receive in one year. For more information about assistance available in your state, visit the State and City Funded Rental Housing Programs website.

The housing choice voucher program is the federal government’s best known and largest program assisting low-income individuals and families, the disabled, and the elderly with finding affordable, safe, secure, and sanitary housing in the private market. Local public housing agencies (PHAs) manage the federally funded program. Participants in the Section 8 housing voucher program are allowed to make their own housing choices and are not required to live in subsidized housing. They can choose single-family homes, condos, townhomes, or apartments according to availability, and as long as the properties they choose meet the program requirements, including minimum health and safety standards.The PHA is not responsible for finding housing for program participants. That is the responsibility of individuals and families. Once arrangements are made for the family to move into approved housing, the PHA pays a portion of the tenants rent directly to the landlord. Who is eligible?Eligibility is based on a number of factors. These include annual household gross income and family size. A family’s income cannot exceed 50% of the median income in the metropolitan area or county where the property is located. By law, PHAs are required to allocate 75% of their vouchers to applicants whose gross annual income is 30% or below the area income median.For example, the 2019 median income for a family of four in Charlotte, NC was $79,000. 50% of that median income is $39,500. 30% of Charlotte’s median income for a family of four is $23,700. Your local housing authority can provide the exact median requirements for your area.Only U.S. citizens and certain non-citizens who have legal immigration status can apply for the program.To apply for the program, you must provide information regarding your household size, income, assets, and proof of citizenship or legal status. The PHA manager assigned to your case will verify the information you provide with your bank, employer, and other agencies. Whether or not you are approved for the program, and the amount of assistance you get, will depend on the information gathered and verified.Where do I apply?You have to contact your local PHA to apply. You can find the office nearest you on using our Search Tool.How long does it take to get housing?Because the number of people applying for Section 8 housing far exceeds the resources available, long waiting lists are not uncommon. Waiting lists can be closed when there are more applicants on the list than can be placed in a reasonable time period.PHAs have the right to give preference to certain applicants. Applicants given preference are commonly the homeless or those living in unacceptable conditions, the involuntarily displaced, and families paying more than half their income in rent. These individuals and families can be moved ahead of others who do not fall into crisis categories. How do vouchers work?With the housing voucher program, the participants have the choice of where to live. The PHA gives the voucher holder guidelines about what size house will qualify according to the number of household members. The unit selected by the voucher holder must meet the health and safety requirements of the PHA. Once the voucher holder and landlord reach an agreement on the cost of rent, the PHA must inspect the property and decide if the amount of rent is reasonable.The PHA uses the standard amount needed to rent a moderately priced property in the local market when determining how much assistance a voucher holder will receive. This amount does not limit what the landlord can charge in rent or what the family will pay. The voucher holder can choose to rent a property that is above or below the payment standard.The program participant is required to pay 30% of the adjusted household income in the form of rent and utilities. If the rent is above the payment standard, the voucher holder is responsible for paying the difference. By law, voucher holders may not pay more than 40% of their adjusted household incomes in rent for units that exceed the payment standard.How is the rent subsidy decided?The maximum housing assistance available is calculated by the PHA. Generally the maximum assistance allowed is the lesser of the gross rent minus 30% of the household’s adjusted monthly income and the standard payment minus 30% of the household’s adjusted monthly income. What are the obligations of HUD, the landlord, and you?At the same time the landlord and the tenant sign the lease, the landlord and the housing authority sign a housing assistance payment contract. The lease and the contract run concurrently. Tenant’s obligations: The tenant signs a lease for one year and may be required to put down a security deposit. The tenant is expected to comply with the lease including keeping the unit in good condition and paying the household’s share of the rent on time. The tenant must inform the PHA of any changes in family composition or income.Landlord’s obligations: The landlord is required to provide housing that is safe, secure, and sanitary at a reasonable rent. The unit must meet program standards. The landlord is required to provide the services agreed upon by the lease and the housing assistance contract.The PHA’s obligations: The PHA assists the family in finding housing and enters into a contract with the landlord. It provides assistance payments on the family’s behalf. The PHA has the right to terminate the agreement if the landlord does not meet all the lease obligations. The PHA is required to reassess the family’s composition and income yearly and inspect the unit at least once a year.HUD’s obligations: HUD funds the program. HUD pays the PHA a fee to offset the cost of administering the program. HUD is responsible for overseeing the program and ensuring the PHAs are adhering to the requirements of the program. Can I use the voucher program to buy a house?The Housing Choice Voucher Homeownership Program allows families in the housing choice voucher program to purchase a home and continue to receive monthly assistance to meet the expenses associated with homeownership.Not all PHAs offer the program, and the program is only available to those who qualify for the housing choice voucher program. To be eligible you must be a first-time homebuyer and meet specific income and employment requirements. Note: Income and employment requirements do not apply to the disabled or the elderly.Participants must attend and satisfactorily complete a housing counseling and pre-assistance ownership program. Participants must also meet any additional requirements set by the PHA.Families that qualify can get up to 15 years of ownership assistance on a 20 plus year mortgage. They can get 10 years’ assistance for mortgages of less than 20 years. These limits do not apply to households that include elderly or disabled members.Participants have to make a minimum 3% downpayment. 1% of the downpayment must come from personal funds. The remaining 2% can be from contributions made from other programs.Comprehensive homeownership counseling and referrals to real estate agents and pre-approved lenders are made by the local PHA. For more information on homeownership programs in your state, visit HUD’s local information webpage.

 Struggling To Pay Rent? If you are one of the many Americans who lives just one paycheck away from financial disaster, a sudden job loss, serious illness or accident, or mounting credit card debt can have you panicking about how to pay next month’s rent. The eviction process can begin just days after you receive a demand notice from your landlord.If the landlord can’t or won’t work with you and refuses to accept a partial payment, you still have some options to keep the roof over your head. Churches and Other Not-For-Profit OrganizationsLocal churches can be a good source for renters short on cash. You have to be a member to get financial help from some of them. Others are willing to help anyone in need regardless of their religious affiliation. There may be financial requirements you have to meet in order to get assistance.Not everyone realizes that the Salvation Army is a Protestant denomination. As part of their homelessness prevention program, the organization will pay one month’s rent to qualified applicants, as long as there are funds available. It also tries to find short term housing for families with minor children and others about to be evicted.You can also contact your local Catholic Church. The Catholic Church runs charities that will help financially in emergencies if funds are available. The assistance it offers is extensive and ranges from financial help, low cost or free food, and rent help. Modest Needs offers a maximum of $1000 for a one-time emergency expense.United Way supports the 211 hotline. This is a free, confidential service helping Americans throughout the country find local resources. It is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Although United Way does not provide financial assistance, it does refer individuals to the local offices of charities, churches, non-profits, and government organizations that do provide financial assistance. You can also get the information online at 211.org. They help in 180 different languages and all information you give is confidential.Habitat for HumanityMost people know that Habitat for Humanity builds houses for qualified families and individuals who meet the requirements and complete their program. Not everyone is aware that Habitat for Humanity also helps with cash bailouts. You have to apply and meet the requirements to be considered. You can apply online, but you won’t be approved overnight. Funding takes time. If you’re facing immediate eviction, this probably isn’t the course you need to take. The application process takes from one to three months. It can take from eight months to two years to move into a home of your own.Federal, State, and Local Government ProgramsThere are a number of federal programs that help needy individuals and families with food and shelter. The three major programs are Public Housing, Section 8 Project-based Rental Assistance, and Housing Choice Vouchers. You can go online to hud.gov to be directed to the local offices that will help you apply for these programs.If you are a special needs household, the “202” and “811” Supportive Housing Programs assist the elderly and those with disabilities. There are the Housing Opportunities for People with AIDS/HIV (HOPWA) program and McKinney-Vento permanent programs for homeless individuals and families.Individual states have grants and rental assistance programs available to those in need. Examples include the Connecticut TDHCA program, the Massachusetts RAFT program, and the Florida EFAHP program. Most states have requirements that must be met to get assistance approval. Some require applicants to be referred by an approved entity.TANFTemporary Assistance for Needy People (TANF) is a joint state and federal government program designed to assist low-income families with minor children. You have to meet the income requirements to be eligible for the program. Standards for eligibility are set by the individual states.Once you are accepted, you can get help with housing, food, medical care, and student finances. The assistance is in the form of monthly cash benefits. COVID-19 Eviction MoratoriumDue to the financial havoc the coronavirus has created, Congress passed the Cares Act. Among other things, it put an eviction moratorium in place for renters who are currently living in HUD Multifamily assisted and FHA insured properties. The moratorium runs from March 27, 2020, until July 25, 2020.This means landlords are barred from evicting tenants or charging late fees during this period. After July 25, 2020, landlords can file evictions after giving 30 days’ notice. If your income has fallen, talk to your landlord about recertification. You should also contact the landlord to discuss a repayment plan if your rent is in arrears. This moratorium should not be used as an excuse to avoid paying your rent if you are capable of doing so.The moratorium does not affect evictions filed prior to March 27, 2020, or after July 25, 2020. It will not stop evictions based on circumstances other than those involving non-payment of rent due or past due fees and other charges related to non-payment.Family and FriendsIf you have family members, close friends, or mentors, you should consider reaching out to them. They may be willing to help, especially if you sit down with them and work out a viable repayment plan. It’s a good idea to put everything in writing. That way all the parties to the agreement understand the particulars of the arrangement.You will have to stick to the plan however and repay the loan promptly. You never know when you might face the same predicament and need help from the same source.Payday or Title LoansIf you’ve exhausted all your options and are still coming up short financially, you might consider a payday or title loan as a last resort. Individuals who still have jobs can get cash from payday loan companies against their next paychecks. The money can be transferred into your account as soon as your monthly or weekly paycheck is verified.With title loans you sign over the title to your car, motorcycle, boat, 4-wheeler, tractor, or mobile home. Companies give you cash in exchange. If you don’t repay the loan on time, the company can and will repossess your collateral.The other problem with these types of loans is the amount of interest the companies can charge. Not all states have usury laws. Usury laws limit the amount of interest companies can charge. If the state you live in has no usury laws, you could be looking at a ridiculous amount of interest on even a small loan.If you don’t repay the loan on time, you will either forfeit the possession you owned the title to or be faced with quickly mounting fees, high rates of interest and penalties attached to the late payments. Payday and title loans should be viewed as a last resort when it comes to finding the cash you need to make a rent payment.Renters are especially vulnerable when it comes to economic crises, environmental disasters, and pandemics. If you’re experiencing a financial downturn through no fault of your own, there are organizations and state and federal government programs available to help. You may have to use all the ingenuity and creativity you have at your disposal to come up with a solution to resolve this issue. Local resources are often the most reliable and fastest way to solve your immediate problems. State and federal programs can be effective but the approval process takes longer and may not solve an immediate eviction crisis.

Temporary Assistance for Needy Families is a joint effort between federal and state governments to assist the most vulnerable of its citizens. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services provides states with block grants to help them design and run programs that accomplish the four specific goals of TANF. Those goals are:1. Provide the assistance necessary to keep children living in their family homes or in the homes of their relatives2. Assist parents in becoming self-sufficient by promoting marriage, job preparation, and employment3. Prevent and reduce out-of-marriage pregnancies4. Encourage the development and preservation of two-parent families Who qualifies for Temporary Assistance for Needy Families?The applicant must be the parent or caregiver of a child under the age of 19 or a pregnant woman in the third trimester.The applicant must be a U.S. citizen, a non-citizen national, or a legal alien who has lived in the United States for a minimum of five years. (There is an exemption for refugees and others exempted from the 5-year requirement.)Applicants must meet the state’s requirement for low or very low income.Applicants must be unemployed, about to become unemployed, or underemployed (working for very low pay).Each individual state and territory determines the exact benefits to be provided. They determine their own criteria for eligibility. You should contact your local TANF agency to find out what benefits and services you qualify for.How Do I Apply?You can get an application online, print it out, and fill in as much information as possible. You’ll find online applications at tanfprogram.com. When you go to your state’s application page, you will find its eligibility requirements and where to go to submit your application.Because of the coronavirus pandemic, many government offices are closed or working with limited staff. You may be directed to mail in your application and may be interviewed online or over the phone. Commonly Asked QuestionsAre states changing requirements because of COVID-19?States and tribes may broaden their eligibility requirements and expand their services because of the crisis. States and tribes have the flexibility to set higher income limits. They may provide benefits to families who are 200% above the poverty level.States and tribes can use the flexibility this program offers in a variety of ways:Streamline the application process and expedite the payment decision and eligibilityAllow good cause work exemptions for participants who can’t work or attend training sessions because they are sick, are caring for school-age children or children whose daycare is closed, or because the place of employment or training is closedAllow participants to work, attend training sessions, or job search virtuallyIncrease the level of cash benefits for workers with reduced income or increased need due to COVID-19How long does it take to start getting benefits?Usually about 45 days. Most states dispense cash on the first day after the month of the application’s stamp date. The process can take as long as 45 days.How much does the program pay?In 2014, over a million and a half families were receiving 8.4 billion dollars in TANF money. States contributed 47% of the cash and the federal government contributed the remaining 53%.New York spent the most per capita, and Arkansas spent the least. Alaska gave out the highest monthly benefits at $602 and Mississippi gave out the least at $140. California had the highest percentage of families receiving benefits with Wyoming having the lowest percentage.The median benefit for a family of three in 2018 was $486 a month. In 14 states a family of three received less than $300 per month.How long can you get these benefits?60 months. There is a five year limit on getting benefits with this program. This doesn’t mean you’ll automatically stop receiving benefits at the end of 60 months. There are state exceptions that allow participants to continue receiving benefits beyond the mandated time limit. You should contact your caseworker to find out if you qualify for extended benefits.What kinds of activities count as work for this program?On the job trainingCommunity serviceVocational trainingJob searchJob readiness trainingEducation related directly to employmentSecondary school attendance or attendance in courses directly related to GED certificationUnsubsidized employmentPublic sector subsidized employmentPrivate sector subsidized employmentProviding child care for someone participating in community service Can convicted felons get benefits?The Personal Responsibility and Work Reconciliation Act was signed into law in 1996. It gives states the option to lift or modify lifetime bans on assistance. Most states, including the District of Columbia, have done so. They have done it by limiting the drug felony classes subject to restriction, implementing short-term bans, and requiring participation in drug treatment programs.If you have a foster child can you qualify for the program?Kin care givers receiving full foster care subsidies for children are generally unable to receive benefits because the level of foster care payment puts the child over the program income limits.

Along with paying the rent or mortgage every month, paying the utility bill ranks right up there in importance for most budget-conscious Americans. If your energy bill is due, and you don’t have the money to pay it, what are your options? You shouldn’t have to choose between keeping a roof over your head and keeping you and your family warm in the winter and cool in the summer.  Federal, State, and Local Government AssistanceThe Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)This program is funded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. It provides two basic kinds of services. 1)Financial assistance for low income families to offset the cost of heating and cooling their living spaces. 2)Weatherization to make homes more energy efficient.LIHEAP also assists low-income families that are facing disconnection of services or are about to run out of heating fuel or oil. Funds for utility bill assistance are paid directly to the utility company on the applicant’s behalf. Funds can be expedited for those in imminent danger of disconnection, usually within one business day. Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP)This program provides eligible families assistance with utility bills. Preference is given to the elderly and the disabled. Firewood AssistanceLIHEAP will help families that depend on firewood, in the form of pellets or seasoned wood, with vouchers, financial assistance, and free wood give outs.For more information on LIHEAP and HEAP by state, visit Health and Human Services contact listing mapwebpage.Free Fans and Air ConditioningThis assistance is available during summer months as part of LIHEAP. Charities like the Salvation Armyalso distribute fans and air conditioners to low income families. The elderly, the disabled, families with minor children, and individuals with medical conditions are given preference.Weatherization Assistance ProgramThis program provides free weatherization and energy conservation services to increase the energy efficiency of homes owned by low and moderate income families. Services include furnace tune-ups, attic and wall insulation, weatherstripping, and minor home repairs. Heating Repair and Replacement ProgramThis government funded program is administered by local community action agencies. It provides repair and replacement of heating units, furnaces, and appliances as well as upgrades for low to moderate income homeowners. Different states call it by different names, but the programs are similar throughout the country and usually work in conjunction with the weatherization program. For more information on the weatherization program by state, visit the Energy Department’s Weatherization webpage.Heating and Utility Disconnection RegulationsMost states have regulations regarding when utility companies can disconnect services. They may not be allowed to disconnect service when temperatures reach certain levels - both hot and cold.In some states, families with minor children have some protection against utility disconnection. Individuals with medical conditions may also have protection. For more information on disconnection regulations by state, visit the Health and Human Services State Disconnection Policieswebpage.Citizens Energy Oil Heat ProgramFor low-income families and seniors that depend on oil to heat their homes, this program offers free and discounted home heating oil. It also assists those who have suffered loss of income due to medical emergencies and job loss. For more information, visit the Citizens Energy Assistancewebsite.LifelineThis program offers discounts on monthly telephone bills to low-income families. In some cases, Lifeline may provide free cell phones. It may even save families money on high speed internet connections. These services may be combined with other utility bill programs. For more information, visit the Federal Communications Commission Lifelinewebpage. Utility Company AssistanceBalanced Payment PlansMany utility companies offer customers the option of paying a flat monthly fee for electricity instead of paying increased rates during the warmest and coldest months of the year. For example, if your annual electric bill is $1200, you would pay $100 every month instead of paying more during the summer and winter. Contact your local energy provider to find out if balanced payment plans are offered in your area.Home Energy AuditsMany utility companies offer this service for free or charge a small fee. A utility company representative will evaluate energy usage and make suggestions for improvements or updates to make the customer’s home more energy efficient.Some utility companies have programs to improve energy performance for customers who meet certain income criteria.H2O Help to OthersThis program is offered to residents of California and some other states through American Water. The program does not provide financial support but does provide reductions in water bills. The American Water program also provides free audits. For more information on the American Water Program by state, visit amwater.com. Non-profit AssistanceCommunity Action AgenciesThese local agencies administer a number of different programs assisting low and moderate income families, including LIHEAP, HEAP, and HARRP. To find out what programs are available in your local community, visit the Community Action Partnershipwebsite.Dollar Energy FundThis program is funded by donations and has been providing utility bill assistance for nearly 30 years. It’s available in a number of states including Virginia, Kentucky, Texas, Connecticut, Tennessee, California, Maryland, Ohio, and West Virginia. Hundreds of thousands of families have received help with heating and utility expenses. For more information on the Dollar Energy Fundby state, visit their website.Legal Services CorporationLegal Services Corporation is an independent non-profit established by the federal government to assist low income, elderly, and disabled Americans with civil legal issues. Services are free and preference is given to seniors and the disabled. Lawyers assist with stopping utility disconnections as part of their services. For more information on legal aid services in your area, visit the LSC website.Operation Round-upThis is a community service organization offered by many utility companies. Operation Round-up provides cash grants to help with all kinds of expenses including utility bills, heating, rent, food, and medical. Contact your local utility company to see if they participate in Operation Round-up.Salvation Army Family Emergency ServicesThe Salvation Army is always a resource for needy families facing financial crises. They assist financially and offer referrals to those who are unable to provide for themselves and their families. In addition to utility bill assistance, the Salvation Army provides clothing, food, shelter, and counseling. For a listing of Salvation Army offices by state visit the Salvation Army USAwebsite.The National Fuel Funds NetworkThis is a national, non-profit organization that raises money for charities, advocates for the poor, and offers counseling and assistance. It is comprised of community action agencies, fuel banks, utility companies, and various other agencies. All funds raised go to families who need help paying their heating and electric bills. The network also supports conservation efforts. For more information on the National Fuel Funds Network, visit the National Energy and Utility Affordability Coalitionwebsite.Union Members Discounted Heating OilLabor union members may be able to get help through Union Plus. It has a discount program for those who use home heating oil. It can also help provide propane or gas. A free or discounted service contract is provided through HEAT USA. For more information on the discounts offered by Union Plus, visit their website.